Issues Arising from Overclocking Motherboard
Issues Arising from Overclocking Motherboard
Hi. I recently upgraded my graphics card and thought it would be wise to check my BIOS configuration to ensure everything was properly configured for optimal gaming performance. I wasn’t certain about my processor’s clock speed, but I was confident it was adequate. Still, I wanted to adjust my RAM settings. Previously, it wasn’t running at the correct speed, so I aimed for around 2800 MHz or higher. After changing the BIOS settings and restarting, the system booted without issues. I then increased the RAM voltage slightly (to about 1.3) and everything functioned smoothly.
The following day, when I booted from a cold start, it cycled twice before getting stuck in a boot loop. I attempted to reset the PC, unplugged it, and held power for a while, but nothing resolved the problem. Eventually, I had to replace the CMOS battery, which reset all my motherboard configurations.
I tried reinstalling the BIOS settings I used before, but they didn’t work. My Ryzen 5 1600X runs at 3.8 GHz, yet it locks at 2166 MHz even when I increase the voltage. If I can push it to 3.8 or 3.9 GHz, and set the RAM speed to 2800 MHz (the rated rate), it should work without issues.
If this advice holds, how can I achieve a stable processor speed of 3.8–3.9 GHz while keeping my RAM at 2800 MHz? Also, considering my PSU is a 500W 80Plus model and not certified for higher loads, would that affect performance given the power demands of my GTX 1080 and the current setup? I’ve attached my BIOS configuration for reference.
The 80+ efficiency rating doesn't determine if the PSU is suitable for overclocking. 80plus also doesn't indicate overall quality beyond being a recognized standard, such as bronze, silver, gold, etc., which is usually a positive factor. It doesn't guarantee every unit with these ratings will perform well; some may be too inefficient for certain tasks like powering an LED light. What matters most is ensuring the PSU meets your specific requirements.
Darkbreeze :
The 80+ effiency rating is irrelevant as to whether the PSU is suitable for overclocking or not. 80plus is also irrelevant as to whether a unit is any good, other than if you already KNOW the unit is a quality platform AND is some kind of 80plus, bronze, silver, gold, etc., then that of course is a bonus, or these days practically a given on a good unit. Doesn't mean every 80plus bronze, silver or gold unit IS good though. There are some with high efficiency ratings that I wouldn't use to power an LED light.
What is the EXACT model number of your PSU?
Have you updated the BIOS to the latest version, because THAT is the biggest factor on ALL Ryzen motherboards as far as what memory modules and at what SPEEDS they are likely to be able to run at. Early BIOS releases had poor support across the board. Newer releases are much better. If you have not updated the BIOS you need to do that before anything else.
The model number is 100-W1-0500-KR
My bios version is 3.4 but there is an update for 3.5 but it doesn’t say its for memory fixes but I can still install it.
It was nice that it worked out. I thought that was the main problem. Going forward, whenever you receive a board—or even for this one—make sure to check the manufacturers' page to find any BIOS updates that could help with your issue. You can also search online using your board model and "bios updates" to see if others have fixed similar problems through a BIOS update.
Right now, these boards are released quickly without as much testing as before. They seem to fix issues on the spot, but often they’re already ready when they’re made. I wish they’d do better with beta testing before releasing them. That’s just how it is.
Also, considering the high quality of your build—especially with your motherboard and graphics card—I strongly suggest you start planning to replace your power supply soon. This unit isn’t reliable or safe, and it’s not worth risking your equipment. It’s not a fire starter, but it’s still a poor choice for serious use.
The lower-end models have too much ripple and noise, which can damage capacitors over time, especially when paired with high-performance hardware or under heavy load. This could shorten their lifespan significantly.
For the best protection of your hardware and to prevent future headaches, it’s wise to get a much better power supply as soon as possible.
After the BIOS update last night, I successfully achieved a 3.9 ghz CPU overclock and reached 3066 mhz with Cinebench and Prime95 running smoothly without any freezing or overheating. Today, when starting from a cold boot, the system begins to boot cyclically twice before starting a third time, showing fluctuations in power and then returning to lower speeds as the fan adjusts. I suspect this could be due to insufficient voltage. The settings are configured with 3.9 ghz, 1.4 volts for the processor and 3066 mhz, and 1.2 volts for memory. I should test the RAM by overclocking just the CPU and waiting long enough for it to stabilize after a cold start.
Thanks for the update! Now the system supports a 3900mhz CPU clock and 2800 mhz RAM clock. During cold boot, it only restarts once and maintains the correct speeds and clocks without resetting them. This suggests you might not need to increase the RAM voltage. I also ran Prime95 and Cinebench together for 30 minutes with no freezing or overheating issues.